Apple CarPlay - What's good?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 466
Likes: 12
From: Tampa FL
Apple CarPlay - What's good?
Hi everyone! I'm entertaining the idea of jumping back into a C6 Vette and I'd like to upgrade at least the factory head unit, to start. In my previous 2007 Z06, I ripped everything out and went full aftermarket but for now, just looking to do the HU. That being said, I've been used an iPod for the past 6 years exclusively. I almost never listen to AM/FM or SirusXM and/or CD's. With that, comes CarPlay. I'm also currently an iPhone user and I'm looking for the following out of the updated HU's:
Hands-free calling (does NOT have to be bluetooth)
Nav
iPod/iPhone integration (I listen primarily to Podcasts I find for free)
Backup camera
Retain steering wheel controls (wish-list item)
I've spend a decent amount of time looking at many units but wanted to see if anyone had any hand-on feedback. I also plan on contacting Dennis to ask his recommendations as well.
Hands-free calling (does NOT have to be bluetooth)
Nav
iPod/iPhone integration (I listen primarily to Podcasts I find for free)
Backup camera
Retain steering wheel controls (wish-list item)
I've spend a decent amount of time looking at many units but wanted to see if anyone had any hand-on feedback. I also plan on contacting Dennis to ask his recommendations as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 150
From: Woodland CA
I have no hands on, but I am planning to do a complete audio upgrade on my 2013 GS. I am leaning towards the Kenwood Excelon DDX6903S. Not overly expensive and has the features I am looking for. I tend to use my iPhone for navigation instead of the stock navi in the Corvette so I figured I should just get a HU with Carplay.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
Hi everyone! I'm entertaining the idea of jumping back into a C6 Vette and I'd like to upgrade at least the factory head unit, to start. In my previous 2007 Z06, I ripped everything out and went full aftermarket but for now, just looking to do the HU. That being said, I've been used an iPod for the past 6 years exclusively. I almost never listen to AM/FM or SirusXM and/or CD's. With that, comes CarPlay. I'm also currently an iPhone user and I'm looking for the following out of the updated HU's:
Hands-free calling (does NOT have to be bluetooth)
Nav
iPod/iPhone integration (I listen primarily to Podcasts I find for free)
Backup camera
Retain steering wheel controls (wish-list item)
I've spend a decent amount of time looking at many units but wanted to see if anyone had any hand-on feedback. I also plan on contacting Dennis to ask his recommendations as well.
Hands-free calling (does NOT have to be bluetooth)
Nav
iPod/iPhone integration (I listen primarily to Podcasts I find for free)
Backup camera
Retain steering wheel controls (wish-list item)
I've spend a decent amount of time looking at many units but wanted to see if anyone had any hand-on feedback. I also plan on contacting Dennis to ask his recommendations as well.
so im getting the pioneer 4100 hu all wired and ready to go a little over 500.00 and that's with a back up camera ..
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,293
Likes: 137
From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
I have no hands on, but I am planning to do a complete audio upgrade on my 2013 GS. I am leaning towards the Kenwood Excelon DDX6903S. Not overly expensive and has the features I am looking for. I tend to use my iPhone for navigation instead of the stock navi in the Corvette so I figured I should just get a HU with Carplay.
wait till CES opens next week then call me. There is one new one coming you might like.
I emailed you back as well with your quote
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 150
From: Woodland CA
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 80
From: Hollister CA
I would stay away from the Pioneer NEX CarPlay units. The interface is sluggish, and if you get one with nav, you can't really trust it to get you where you need to go. Just my opinion, based on having had an 8200NEX. The models without built in Nav might be fine. I don't know.
Last edited by bobeast; Dec 30, 2016 at 08:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 466
Likes: 12
From: Tampa FL
Thanks for the feedback thus far everyone. I'm in the process of closing the deal on a 2010 ZR1 and although I prefer the sound of the motor/exhaust over everything else, I would like to up the sound of the stereo for the longer rides. I'll continue to see what's out there and if I end up with the car, I'll start piecing it all together.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 466
Likes: 12
From: Tampa FL
Just found this release as to what been shown at CES thus far. Its worth a quick read if you're in the market for a new Carplay capable radio. I'm sure when Dennis gets back he'll give his personal feedback. Take note of the unit in particular, the Alpine. It looks to be the first wireless carplay option, unless I'm mistaken, then it may be the first by Alpine. It won the top CES award in the car audio category, however, I'm not sure if that really has "real world" value. I also like that the new Pioneer Nex units are being coupled with their reverse cameras.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 80
From: Hollister CA
Just found this release as to what been shown at CES thus far. Its worth a quick read if you're in the market for a new Carplay capable radio. I'm sure when Dennis gets back he'll give his personal feedback. Take note of the unit in particular, the Alpine. It looks to be the first wireless carplay option, unless I'm mistaken, then it may be the first by Alpine. It won the top CES award in the car audio category, however, I'm not sure if that really has "real world" value. I also like that the new Pioneer Nex units are being coupled with their reverse cameras.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 466
Likes: 12
From: Tampa FL
So, plot thickens.